Director of Programs

If you are an experienced social services leader committed to inclusion, innovation, and meaningful community impact, we want to meet you.

Connections for Families Society is a mission‑driven organization dedicated to empowering parents with cognitive disabilities through inclusive, evidence‑informed programming and wraparound supports. We believe every family deserves the opportunity to thrive—and we're looking for a strategic, compassionate, and visionary program leader to join us in this work.

Connections seeks a Director of Programs to lead our parenting, financial empowerment, and educational program streams. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving on the Senior Leadership Team, this role will build on an innovative programmatic history and ensure that families receive the highest‑quality support and services.

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with senior leadership to align programs with organizational priorities and the strategic plan.
• Develop comprehensive program strategies grounded in data, best practice, and funder expectations.
• Establish clear program goals and objectives to support high‑impact services for families.
• Contribute to organizational planning, budgeting, policy development, resource planning, and risk management.

Program Management

• Design, refine, and oversee high-quality programs that meet client needs, safety requirements, funder obligations, and community standards.
• Identify opportunities for program innovation, expansion, and new partnerships.
• Oversee the full client service journey—from intake to assessment, service adjustments, and closure.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program outputs and outcomes to funders.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Lead data-driven evaluation practices, ensuring integrity in data collection, analysis, reporting, and compliance.
• Translate program data into actionable insights for continuous improvement.
• Strengthen administrative systems in alignment with board and executive expectations.

Team Leadership & Management

• Build on and nurture a culture of respect, trust, belonging, and collaboration.
• Provide leadership and supervision to three Team Leads and their direct service teams.
• Assess staffing capacity, caseloads, and development needs to ensure effective service delivery and staff wellness.
• Set clear expectations, provide constructive feedback, and support professional growth.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, and recognition initiatives.
• Promote cross‑functional communication and coordination to achieve strong organizational outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate relationships with funders, community partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Represent Connections for Families at community events, conferences, and sector tables.
• Build partnerships that enhance program impact and align with organizational goals.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in social services, community rehabilitation, management, or a related field (Master's degree preferred), along with a Registered Social Worker credential.
• 10+ years of experience in the disability and/or or vulnerable families sector, with deep knowledge of systems, trends, and partner agencies.
• At least 5 years of progressive program management leadership, including budgeting, evaluation, and strategic oversight.
• Exceptional team leadership, communication, coaching, change management, and team‑building skills.
• Strong experience working with funders and preparing program reports.
• Strong understanding of evidence-informed practice.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment with diverse priorities.
• A strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and community impact.
• A genuine passion for supporting people with cognitive disabilities to participate fully in their communities.

Additional Requirements

• A current Criminal Record Check and Child Welfare Check within 30 days of hire (reimbursed by the agency).
• Current First Aid, CPR, and non‑violent crisis intervention, or willingness to obtain within 30 days.
• Valid Class 5 driver's license, reliable vehicle, and $2,000,000 liability insurance rated for business use.
• Proof of qualifications may be requested.

Why Join Us?

At Connections for Families Society, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead programs that create meaningful, lasting change for families.
• Influence organizational direction at a senior level.
• Work with a passionate, dedicated team committed to equity and inclusion.
• Innovate and grow programs that strengthen community supports for parents with cognitive disabilities.

If you are a strategic leader who believes deeply in the power of inclusive support for families, we encourage you to apply.

Applications must include a resume and cover letter in pdf format and must be submitted online via our careers portal by March 15, 2026. Review of applications will be continuous throughout the application period.  Only candidates selected to proceed through the selection process will be contacted. 

Equal Opportunity 

Connections for Families Society is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse team benefits and enriches our work and is essential to operational excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. 

Location

Calgary, Alberta

Employment Type

Full-Time